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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Vic realize he feels about Melinda as far as physical attraction in Part III?

2. What does Vic make for the Wilsons when they visit?

3. Where do snails lay their eggs, according to Vic?

4. Who does Trixie tell Vic is going around saying he killed De Lisle?

5. Who does Horace think Carpenter might be a friend of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vic never feel after killing De Lisle?

2. What does Horace tell Vic about Melinda's persistent claims that he is a murderer?

3. What does Meller tell Vic that Melinda said at his party in Vic's absence?

4. How do Vic's and Melinda's friends react to Melinda's behavior after De Lisle's death?

5. What does Melinda tell Trixie about De Lisle's death?

6. What does Melinda do in Part III in order to hurt Vic?

7. Who attends the Mellers' barbecue in Part IV, and why is this strange?

8. Who does Vic confront about the hiring of a private investigator in Part III, and what does he find out?

9. What are both Vic and Melinda happy to hear about Trixie?

10. What does Vic decide to do for Trixie in Part IV that Melinda objects to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is the disdain and arrogance Highsmith highlights in Vic's character so central to his actions, especially towards the book's conclusion? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What specific behaviors or conversations does Highsmith employ to convey to the reader the nature of Vic's treachery? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Highsmith use the character Trixie to highlight or explain certain aspects of Vic's character? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 574 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample